In a recent beer chat with social distancing and wearing of face masks, senior citizens were thinking of how much harm they are getting from the capsules and tablets that they are given to combat their illnesses. One of them had a wider perspective of sharing what he knows of some benefits that raw garlic has given him. 
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A retired teacher mentioned of his taking or biting of raw garlic which many would find so hot on the throat. He takes raw garlic as he believes this can reduce blood pressure and improves one’s cholesterol level that may also reduce the risk of heart disease. He mentioned that he would take some bites of raw garlic he puts in his pocket whenever he feels ill or coughing. And that gives him a relief. Of course, he said, it is not the fried garlic that restaurants serve atop the so-called garlic rice.
Taking raw garlic, he added, gives a burning sensation in the mouth and may result to a temporary bad breath. “But what is important is this raw garlic gives me a great relief when I bite it whenever I feel dizzy or having some colds,” he said.
Truly, the rest of the beer drinking seniors agree with him and asked for some raw garlic from the charming server of beer.
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The seniors were more excited when the retired teacher mentioned that garlic can help stimulate circulation and blood flow to sexual organs in both men and women and readily improves one’s sex drive. It gave more life to all and they shouted for another round of their favorite beer!
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How about onions?
Onions are an added spicy ingredient to beef steaks, pork chops, and other soups served at home or in restaurants. The retired teacher told the group that onions could benefit heart health, too. It contains cancer-fighting compounds and helps control blood sugar as it also has antibacterial properties.
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A beer drinker shared his own knowledge that red onions could sip in bacteria when you slice the smaller red onions into half. Place the sliced onions around your bedroom or toilet or living room or kitchen, he said, and let it stay until it dries up for a few days; then throw it away. It has sipped bacteria that roams around your home or office, he concluded. This is a good tip and there is nothing to lose to give it a try following his tip, the other senior guy said.
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Indeed some individuals have gotten tired of taking in several tablets or capsules that they suspect might harm their liver or kidney. Who knows its side effects? Others have gone into taking herbal leaves created by God and these are all in bounty just around the corners of our homes and farm places. Taking these herbs is all up to the individuals who may believe in its healthy effects or otherwise.
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This time of pandemic, let us all stay healthy and have a strong immune system that combats all viruses around us.
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This column greets Raymund Javellana, Mae Panes, Kim Martin Jimenez, Rolando Dabao, Maricel Villanueva, Reuben Tampos, Mike Villacorta, Jay Aranas, Peggy Santos, Tony Ajero, and Charles Lim./WDJ